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Friday, November 2, 2012

Get Lost in a Scary, Sexy Story with Sherry Foley

The Captive HeartSherry Foley

Uncovering corruption within his own department, FBI agent Ian Mulherin watches the lines of justice blur as he finds himself in the middle of greed, betrayal, and double-agents tied to the Mafia. Realizing he is being framed, he must now protect Nicole, the innocent woman marked to be his victim, as feelings between the two of them begin to blossom. While the conspiracy tightens around Ian, he frantically races to clear his name, bring down the perpetrators, and protect the woman who has captured his heart.

Sherry Foley has always had a wild imagination which she has used to craft inspired pieces of fiction that often border on the disturbing. While her creative mind races forward, she keeps her feet planted in Missouri with her husband and three teenage children.

Jillian: Where do you read and how often?Sherry: I read a couple of books a week and keep a running shelf to choose from. I read everywhere while vacuuming, listening to CD’s in the car, waiting to Taxi kids, stirring at the stove, but my favorite place is in my porch swing.Jillian: What sound or noise do you love?Sherry: The sound of the ocean and children laughing.Jillian: Describe your favorite kind of hero to read/write?Sherry: A man who has strength and integrity, who is loyal, and has flaws that are almost endearing. Jillian: What’s something you’d like to tell your fans?Sherry: Thank you. Without you my dreams would not have been something I could hold in my hand and hug to my heart. I appreciate each and every one of you.Jillian: Do you read reviews of your books? If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let them influence your writing? Sherry: Yes, right now because this process if all new to me and very exciting. What influences me the most is when I listen to readers talk at book clubs. Jillian: What dreams have been realized as a result of your writing?Sherry: Getting my books into print, into the hands of the readers and connecting with readers at signings and book club appearances. HUGE! Jillian: Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it?Sherry: “Starbucks” says it all.

An Excerpt from The Captive Heart

“Nicole, listen, I’ll make sure you’re safe.” he said, coming to stand behind her. “I’m not involving Trey in things.”
“This is bigger than you,” she said, flailing her arms in the air and pacing about the room.
“Ideally, I would have you placed in protective custody, but I’m not sure just who all Roark has under his thumb at this point.” Ian told her as he went back and lowered himself in his chair and picked up his pen.
With the tension and voices in the room raised, Dickens picked himself up and padded over to sit by his master’s chair.

“It’s all right, boy,” Ian leaned over to rub the dog’s neck and head in reassurance. “Check this out, Nicole.”
He pointed to Dickens and told him to stay. The dog sat at attention and watched his owner go over to the refrigerator. Ian came back and placed a hot dog in the German Shepherd’s mouth.
“You and I Nicole,” he continued as sat back down and turned his attention to Dickens, “are going to figure out why Roark wanted you out of the picture. There is a tie-in somewhere.”
Nicole stood fascinated as Dickens sat on his haunches and looked at Ian attentively. The hot dog was still sticking out of Dickens’ mouth.
Ian turned to look at her. “When we find that answer, we’ll have yet another piece to this hellish puzzle.”
The dog was drooling now but other than that, Nicole hadn’t detected movement. Incredible.
“Until such a time, you will do as I say. If not, you’ll find yourself handcuffed to the bed again.”
Arrogant brows over hard blue glaciers stared back at her. He didn’t even look away from her when he snapped his fingers. Dickens swallowed the hot dog in one gulp.
“And this is the only faithful friend I need,” Ian said smugly, rubbing the dog down as praise. “There’s nothing like man’s best friend.”
Nicole was still stuck back at him boasting that she would do as he said. As if. “Really? Well, here’s a little trick for you.”
She smiled sweetly at Dickens and crooked her index finger. The dog cocked his beautiful head to one side and rose to a standing position. Nicole tossed a glare Ian’s way and marched down the hall with Dickens bringing up the rear. The man really was insane.
The cabin vibrated when she slammed the door.
“I’m gonna wring her pretty neck yet,” Ian growled in disgust to an empty room.

Sherry has a question for commenters: I’ve heard from lots readers that they choose a character in a story that they like to become. What type of character do you like to be in a book? I’d like to give away a copy of A Captive Heart and a copy of Switched in Death with bookmarks for both. And, if they’d like signed copies, that would be great too. (Some readers I’ve found don’t like their books written in at all)

***Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.

Author of contemporary and historical thrillers: The national award winning Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series as well as the Phaeton Black, Moonstone Investigations series. Jillian is currently working on the first book in a new Scotland Yard spin-off: Codename: Dragon. Visit her website: jillianstone.com

Mary, I'm with you. I'm so not a risk taker. I've never even purchased a lottery ticket for fear of just ending up with nothing but a scratched piece of paper. I like strong a heroines I can cheer on from the comfort of my chair. Thanks so much for stopping by.

Thank you, Jillian. It's an honor to be here! Thank you so much for the invite. I'm with you on savoring the story again and again if I love both the hero & heroine. Bonus. I love it when a really good chemistry that is so unique to each couple lingers in my mind long after I've closed the book.

I'm glad you enjoyed the excerpt. It's one of several flirty times between Ian and Nicole. I'd never thought of the concept of becoming one of the characters in a book until I started hearing from readers. Many do it seems. It just shows there are many ways to enjoy a good story. Thank you for taking the time to chime in here.

Thank you, Terri. I appreciated your wonderful comments on my Facebook page too. I'm so glad you enjoyed Switched in Death. A Captive Heart is very different, but still with a lot of flirting and my signature humor. Thanks for being my reader!

I like my characters to be believable and have some traits that inspire me, but not too sappy perfect.. I also like to read about characters that are "different" from my lifesytle... I realize that different is not bad...just different.. and it helps to learn compassion and acceptance and adds new demensions to my own life. :) Can't wait to start reading!

Thank you, Steven. I love a resourceful hero/heroine too. I think you'd enjoy Laney in Switched in Death. She has a unique take on things which helps her get out of several tight spots. I'm glad you stopped by.